• Fans of fun in the sun in Qualicum Beach will see a familiar face this year as once again Stephen Mitchell staffs the Outsider beachfront kayak rental outlet.
Mitchell, who once owned and operated Oceanside Kayaks from the same site, will be offering mostly sit-upon vessels this year, although he does have a couple of single kayaks for those with an adventurous bent. He will also have items such as sunscreen, masks and snorkels and other beach necessities on hand.
• Maritime history buffs won’t want to miss the Campbell River Museum’s historic boat tour around Sonora Island on Saturday.
The island was named after a Spanish exploring vessel, the Sonora, which sailed out of San Blas, Mexico in 1775, bound for the Northwest Coat.
The expedition was plagued by difficulties. Seven of her crew were killed in a confrontation with local First Nations people near Grenville Point while they were attempting to get fresh water. As the expedition continued northward the crew began to fall ill to scurvy and ophthalmia, a blinding eye disease. By the time they reached Dixon Entrance only Quadra and Maurelle, the ship’s officers, were still on their feet. Somehow the two men managed to sail the ship back to Mexico on their own. Call the museum at 250-287-3103 for more information.
• One of the original paddles used by the Canadian voyageur canoe team during the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla in London is coming to the Comox Valley.
The paddle is decorated and signed by all 10 paddlers. And someone will make a successful bid for ownership on July 28 when the Courtenay River Estuary Flotilla is held.
On June 3, 1,000 vessels formed a flotilla to honour the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth. On a windy day, they traveled up the Thames Estuary past the Royal barge and many shoreline viewers.
• Ron Crema has been appointed to the board of directors of the Port Alberni Port Authority for a three-year term.
Crema has over 25 years of experience in distribution and, since 2010 has worked independently as a distribution and change management consultant. For nearly 20 years, he was manager of distribution for Canadian paper manufacturers Catalyst Paper, NorskeCanada and Pacifica Papers Inc.
• Canada Post, in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee and Rowing Canada Aviron, has unveiled a stamp to honour Canada’s journey on the way to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The stamp highlights the dynamic sport of rowing; a selection based on the consistent excellence displayed by the Canadian team and their perceived strength heading into London this summer.
• While police often put out the word to lock their cars, but police this week extended that warning to boaters as well after Nanaimo RCMP began investigating four incidents of break and enter and theft from boats docked at Stones Marina in Nanaimo.
According to reports from owners and boaters moored in neighbouring berths, police believe the boats were broken into between 11 p.m. on July 4 and 3 a.m. on July 5.
There was no damage done to the boats and the thief entered the vessels through unlocked doors and hatch covers. Owners reported that they felt the boats were secure because the dock gate, the only access point from land, was locked. The culprit stole food, alcohol, dvds, cell phones and a television.